Find out more about neuroprotection

Our brains are remarkable, but delicate. And the same is true of the billions of individual cells that make it up.

Nerve cell death is a natural part of ageing for everyone. But for people with MS, this happens at a faster rate, because more cells are being lost. You can see this on MRI scans, with our brains shrinking over time.

The aim of neuroprotection is simple – to keep nerve cells happy, healthy and alive.

Researchers have identified a number of different targets to help us protect nerves. These include helping to control nerve cell transport, and regulating the way nerve cells use energy.

Keeping the power on

Nerve cells use a lot of energy. This is generated by tiny powerhouses spread throughout the cell called mitochondria. Scientists have found that mitochondria are damaged in MS, meaning nerves don’t get the energy they need, stop working properly and eventually die.

Our researchers are working hard to unravel more of the mysteries of mitochondria. Once we understand what goes wrong with mitochondria in progressive MS, we can start developing therapies to fix it.

Creating a healthy environment

Healthy cells require healthy surroundings. We know that when myelin is damaged, debris and toxins build up around the nerves, causing inflammation.

Researchers are looking at ways to encourage the brain to clear this debris, creating a healthy environment for nerves.

Nerve cell transport

Inside every nerve there's a network of super highways that allow important molecules to go where they're needed.

Research suggests that in MS this transport system goes wrong, with traffic jams stopping the nerve working properly.

MS Society Tissue Bank

Our tissue bank supports scientists around the world who are working to understand nerve damage in MS. It enables researchers to investigate what actually happens in the human brain and spinal cord in MS, and to identify new treatment targets.

Clinical trials

In 2017 we announced we’re co-funding a phase 3 trial to test if simvastatin can slow progression in secondary progressive MS. Simvastatin is commonly used to treat high cholesterol, but research suggests that it reduce inflammation and could protect nerves from damage.